Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, Toward: All Men

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Definition and Importance

Love toward all men is a fundamental tenet of Christian doctrine, emphasizing the universal nature of God's love and the call for believers to reflect this love in their interactions with others. This love is not limited by race, nationality, or social status but is to be extended to every individual as a reflection of God's impartial love for humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The command to love all men is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His followers to love their neighbors as themselves, a command that encompasses all people (Matthew 22:39). This directive is further reinforced by the apostle Paul, who writes, "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8).

Exemplified by Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ exemplified love for all men through His ministry, reaching out to the marginalized, the sinners, and the outcasts of society. His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) and His healing of the Roman centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13) demonstrate His inclusive love that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.

Teachings of the Apostles

The apostles continued to teach the importance of love for all men. The apostle John emphasizes that love is a defining characteristic of a true believer: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). Similarly, Peter urges believers to "show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17), highlighting the comprehensive nature of Christian love.

Practical Application

Believers are called to demonstrate love through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of love in action, where the Samaritan shows mercy and care for a wounded stranger, transcending ethnic animosity. This parable underscores the call to love not just in words but in tangible deeds.

Challenges and Encouragement

While loving all men can be challenging due to human prejudices and societal divisions, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Paul reminds the Galatians, "The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14), urging them to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Conclusion

The call to love all men is a central aspect of Christian life, reflecting the love of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to overcome barriers and extend love to all, fulfilling the law of Christ and bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 6:10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Work of Grace a Unit.
... And love must spring from man's personal being, which has ... them all and ordained how
they should be created ... Him; and much more intimately than man knows himself ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ii the work of grace.htm

Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... faithful were then in affliction, his love was great. ... And the poor man was similarly
disposed toward the ... if captives taken from divers cities should arise and ...
/.../homily xv philippians iv 14-oct.htm

"The Fullness of the Time"
... Through every age, through every hour, the love of God ... or withdrawn till the plan
of salvation should be fulfilled. ... Then Jesus came to restore in man the image ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 3 the fullness of.htm

Matt. xii. 25, 26
... even scatters abroad, how should he have exhibited such unanimity ... If we would judge
ourselves, we should not be ... worthy, by the grace and love toward man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xli matt xii 25.htm

1 Cor. xii. 27
... her husband for the kindness; and she exhibited the garments ... as if they do no sign,
but love one another ... me to die," saith he, "than that any man should make my ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxii 1 cor xii.htm

Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon.
... without sin and imperfection, all aglow with love divine. ... by it; according to its
teaching should all our decisions ... anger is: "For the wrath of man worketh not ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after easter second.htm

Christian Sympathy
... If any man shall think that we are not "born for the universe" and should narrow
our souls, I can only say that I ... The man who is devoid of love will be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Rom. I. 28
... they required not a law, and yet exhibited all the doings ... what is there upon earth,
that I should desire in ... attain unto by the grace and love toward man of our ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm

Jesus as a Friend.
... but that no temptation but such as man can bear ... for us to live, for then we should
get no ... and carried their sorrows, entering with wonderful love into every ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xv jesus as a.htm

Ephesians i. 2-Jan
... and rendered it an object of His delight and love. ... He hath given in abundance riches
not of man but of ... all hands it is impossible that they should be expressed ...
/.../homily i ephesians i 2-jan.htm